Kenya is making significant strides toward a greener and more sustainable energy future. At the heart of this transformation is Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) — the country’s largest power producer. With bold plans and strategic investments, KenGen is leading Kenya into a new era of renewable energy, energy independence, and environmental sustainability.
KenGen’s Role in Kenya’s Energy Landscape
KenGen is a state-owned company responsible for producing around 60% of Kenya’s electricity. The company’s energy mix includes geothermal, hydroelectric, wind, and thermal sources.
As of mid-2023:
- Geothermal contributes 63.4%
- Hydropower contributes 31.4%
- Thermal provides the remaining 4%
This focus on clean energy is positioning Kenya as one of the greenest countries in Africa.
Kenya’s Geothermal Goldmine
Kenya sits along the Great Rift Valley, which gives it massive geothermal potential. KenGen has taken full advantage of this by developing projects in Olkaria, home to Africa’s largest geothermal complex.
Currently, only a fraction of Kenya’s estimated 10,000 MW geothermal potential has been tapped. But KenGen is actively working to change that by:
- Expanding Olkaria by an additional 280 MW
- Adding 25 MW from Eburru geothermal power plant
These projects will increase reliability and reduce overdependence on hydropower, which can be affected by droughts.
Entering the Solar Energy Market
KenGen is diversifying even further with solar energy. A key project in the pipeline is a 42.5 MW floating solar power station at Kamburu Dam in Machakos County.
This plant, scheduled for completion by 2027, will be one of Kenya’s largest solar power installations. It aims to:
- Add more power to the national grid
- Reduce evaporation from the dam
- Provide clean energy without occupying land
Wind Energy Expansion in Marsabit
KenGen is going big on wind energy too. The company plans to build a massive wind power plant in Marsabit County, starting with 200 MW and scaling to 800 MW.
Once complete, it will be the largest wind power project in Africa, supporting Kenya’s vision of a 100% green energy grid by 2030.
KenGen’s 10-Year Green Strategy (2024–2034)
KenGen’s G2G Strategy (Green to Growth) outlines a bold plan for the next decade. Here’s what they aim to achieve:
Key Objectives:
- Add 1,500 MW of renewable energy by 2034
- Introduce new technologies like hydrogen power and energy storage
- Upgrade existing plants, including boosting capacity at Olkaria I from 45 MW to over 60 MW
- Export geothermal expertise to countries like Ethiopia and Djibouti
This strategy will not only power homes and industries but also create thousands of jobs and support local economies.
Global Support and Partnerships
KenGen’s projects are attracting major international attention. The European Investment Bank (EIB) and other global partners are supporting renewable energy in Kenya.
The EIB has:
- Invested in several KenGen geothermal projects
- Partnered with Kenya for over 40 years
- Committed to helping Africa transition to clean energy
Such partnerships are critical to achieving Kenya’s green ambitions.
Economic and Environmental Benefits
KenGen’s work has broad benefits beyond power generation:
- Jobs: Thousands of employment opportunities during construction and operation
- Lower Carbon Emissions: A cleaner, healthier environment
- Energy Security: Reduced reliance on imports and fossil fuels
- Investment Magnet: Attracting green investors to Kenya
With every project, KenGen is not just adding megawatts — it’s shaping the future of Kenya’s economy.
The Road Ahead
Kenya’s future is looking bright — and green. KenGen’s aggressive investment in renewable energy sources is putting the country on the map as a clean energy leader in Africa.
By 2030, Kenyans could enjoy an energy grid that’s:
- 100% powered by renewables
- More stable and reliable
- Affordable and efficient
This is not just a win for Kenyans, but for the planet.
Final Thoughts
As KenGen continues to innovate and expand, it’s clear that the company is more than just a power producer — it’s a national catalyst for transformation. If Kenya stays the course, its energy revolution could serve as a model for the rest of Africa and beyond.
Written by: RC-Connect Editorial
Source: European Investment Bank
